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When the curtain fell last week on the 6th Annual Young & Free Maine Sound-Off, powered by Maine's credit unions, the musicians weren't the only winners. Through significant radio promotion, including on-air and on-line on stations in every Maine radio market, the commitment of Maine's credit unions to connecting with millennials in the state made a lot of positive 'noise'. "Sound-Off promotes talented Mainers, and also highlights what credit unions are all about - supporting Maine people, not just with outstanding financial services but also through a personal investment in the local community," explained Debra Trautman, Vice President of Corporate Marketing for the Maine Credit Union League. The winners of the 2017 Sound-Off competition were announced at the Sound-Off Showdown held on Thursday, March 23, at The Next Generation Theater in Brewer.
"Maine has talent - lots of it, and millennials in the state certainly have their fair share of it. It was great to see so much passion and energy from our finalists at today's competition. To me, they are all winners," stated Jake Holmes, Young & Free Maine Spokester, after he announced the winners of the 2017 'Sound Off', on Thursday, March 23, at Gracie Theater at Husson University in Bangor.
When the last note was played, the judges gathered and selected the first, second and third place finishers in both categories.
In the soloists/duo category, Lindsay Mower took top honors, with Bri Lane and Holly Clough, finishing second and third, respectively.
In the group category, first place went to The Resistance, followed by Northside Ramblers and Seven Seconds Left.
The Sound-Off finals featured three soloists/duos and three groups competing for the top prize of a $500 gift certificate to record at Main Street Studios in Bangor, and a chance to play a live performance at the 2017 Old Port Festival this June in Portland. "The Old Port Festival and the Townsquare Stage at One City Center provide a wonderful opportunity for our winners to reach thousands of people. It is quite an opportunity for them, and great visibility for Maine's credit unions," remarked Jon Paradise, Vice President of Governmental and Public Affairs for the Maine Credit Union League.
Rick Lachance, President/CEO of Connected CU and Board Chair of the Maine CU League, as well as a part-time musician, served as one of the judges. "It was a fun experience. There was a lot of enthusiasm, and the participants appreciated Maine's credit unions for supporting not just their financial dreams but their personal dreams."
All competitors had at least one member between the ages of 18-25 years-old, which is the focus of Young & Free Maine, an innovative program from Maine's credit unions designed to help that age group with financial issues as well as connect on a variety of other topics and activities.
For more information and to connect, visit youngfreemaine.com